Pain at any age is not good for anything except as a warning signal that something is wrong. Once that alarm goes off, pain should not be tolerated as just a part of "growing older." Your health care provider can evaluate your pain and determine the right treatment to relieve your pain. Your health care provider will ask questions or observe your condition to understand your pain.
Your health care provider has many ways to relieve your pain. Most commonly, medications are used to control pain in older persons. There are many safe and effective medications available. For example, your health care provider may prescribe around-the-clock medication, such as acetaminophen (example, Tylenol®), to relieve mild-to-moderate muscle/joint pain caused by arthritis. Other prescription medications are effective in treating pain that isn't relieved by this kind of medicine. Sometimes, persistent pain can be treated well without medications.
Physical therapy, exercise, or fitness programs can improve strength and motion of your joints. Application of heat and cold to the painful area can also be helpful. Community programs can teach you about pain and help you cope with it. Often, medicines, together with other programs, will offer the best pain relief.
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Medications for Persistent Pain
